William Grafton had the perfect life with his lovely wife, Sara, and two wonderful children. But one day his perfect forever was shattered when Sara died suddenly, leaving him alone to raise his children and wonder how he would ever get through life without his soul mate. Five years later, he finds himself looking into a familiar pair of blue-green eyes that remind him of Sara. The woman is the exact opposite of his late wife, yet he’s drawn to her. But after a few strange occurrences, he begins to wonder–are these just coincidences or has his Sara come back to him as she once promised in the form of this new woman?
Annie Paxton doesn't believe in soul mates or fate. She had watched her father die of a broken heart after her mother passed away and has since cast away any fairy tale ideas of love. Then she meets the man who has been haunting her dreams and she begins to see love in a whole new light. But her dream man is still tied to his deceased wife, and Annie doesn't know if he will ever be able to break away from his past. As strange occurrences unfold, Annie wonders if William could ever truly love her for herself and not for the traits that remind him of Sara.
Were William and Annie brought together by fate, coincidence, or by Sara keeping her promise?
Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Once again, I am blown away by another beautiful cover! And that question ~ Do you believe in soul mates? ~ I love to think that it is possible to have a soul mate. There has to be some reason that certain people 'find' each other.
'I just know,' Sara said. 'Even if something happened to me, I'd still find a way to be here for you and the kids. That's how strong our bond is.'
Sara's Promise is such a lovely story about everlasting love, with a little bit of magic from up above, trying to make things right. I loved the references to the colorful, beautiful lights that seemed to me to represent the peaceful journey one takes when passing from one world to the next.
Annie doesn't want to fall in love ~
'She saw what love had done to her father, how it had destroyed his life, and she knew she never wanted to love anyone that deeply. It was too painful to lose the one you loved.'
~ but when she meets William, there is something there, some kind of attraction that she doesn't understand. And William is not looking for a replacement for his soul mate, Sara, but he feels drawn to Annie. But can he let Sara go and find happiness and love again?
Sara's Promise is a wonderful story that I just got lost in. Deanna writes such warm, beautiful words that makes one just keep reading and reading. I did not want to put the book down, I did not want to leave Sara's world.
A captivating tale of love and forgiveness, Sara’s Promise will convince even the most skeptical among us that soulmates do exist. Realistic and well-developed characters draw you in from the start and keep your interest up as they battle personal conflicts while striving to hold together as a family. Although certain elements might require suspension of disbelief, this uplifting story offers a message of hope and is sure to touch your heart, if not your very soul.
William believes he has lost his soul mate when his wife, Sara, dies suddenly. Five years later he meets Annie who is the only woman since Sara who has attracted him. She’s very different to his wife, but Annie has her unusual blue-green eyes. Annie doesn’t believe in soul mates, but William turns out to be the man of her dreams (literally). William and Annie do a lot of soul searching to discover whether they have been brought together by chance or destiny, or maybe they are fulfilling Sara’s promise.
The combination of a love story with hints of the paranormal attracted me to this book, but it is the characters and their relationships that make the bigger impression. Annie is a lively, independent, attractive woman, who is putting the difficulties of her childhood behind her in order to make a success of her life. Outwardly down to earth, she is unnerved by her colourful, lyrical dreams and other strange coincidences that keep occurring. William and his family are so vulnerable; it feels natural that Annie is drawn to them and plays a vital role in their healing process. I like the creative way in which Annie gradually helps William’s daughter to work through her guilt, and how Annie’s relationship with William’s son is gently handled. Annie and William’s nigh-on instant rapport is lovely, and his guilt about Sara’s death and his struggle to love Annie for herself add depth to his character. William’s good looks make him irresistible to Annie, and this reader.
While the characterisation is good, I’d have preferred the handling of the paranormal aspect to be left more open. I enjoyed the coincidences, especially the subtle, slightly disquieting things that happen when Annie first visits William’s house, but as the story progresses I found there was just a bit too much explanation and repetition. That said, Sara’s influence adds a level of intrigue and enhances the will-they won’t-they love story.
This type of book is one that I haven't read in a while. Women's Fiction mixed with romance. Sara's Promise, was sad, tragic and inspirational. I experienced several emotions while reading this book. Since this story is told in third-person narrative, we are given perspective of all the characters. And while the story is sad, there are other struggles happening. Guilt, fear and regret at the forefront.
I don't want to give anything away. I will tell you that i enjoyed the book very much greatly due to the author's writing style. I found it to be honest, enjoyable, and thoroughly rewarding. I will definitely be reading more from Deanna Lynn Sletten. This book came across my path through a free promotion otherwise I believe I wouldn't have seen it. The free promotions are how I discover new authors that I enjoy. And I think it's a great idea for the author to offer a free book every now and then to recruit new readers.
William and Annie..... Five years after the death of his beloved Sara, William is still struggling with guilt, regret and plenty of what-ifs. He is focused primarily on his work. With both his children older now, one in college and the other a high school senior, William worries about being alone. Not just lonely, but alone in a big house with only his thoughts and regrets. When he meets a photographer named Annie, his life unexpectedly takes on a new course. Annie reminds him so much of his beloved Sara. But Annie is not Sara and that is a struggle that William has to face in order to find happiness.
Annie has had a lonely and loveless upbringing after losing both her parents at a young age. When she is old enough, Annie moves away to a new town. A town called Seaside. A town that calls to her soul. What happens between William and Annie is nothing short of miraculous. That said, these two do not have an easy time making things work. Largely on William's part, the past must stay in the past and the future free of guilt and regrets if this couple wants a happy ending.
There are some dramatic moments in this story. However, there is so much love. This was truly a beautiful story and I am so happy to have read it.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Do you believe in soul mates? Do you believe in everlasting love, even after your loved one has passed away?
Two women pass away ... as they are suspended between life and death, they engage in a conversation which leads one of the women to urge the other to take her place among the living so she can love and take care of her family as if they were her own.
When Sara Grafton suddenly dies, her husband William and teenage children Sandy and Sam struggle to go on with their lives. Sara vowed to always look after her family, even through divine intervention from beyond the grave.
Five years later, the Grafton family is still struggling with grief over the loss of their wife and mother.
Annie Paxton doesn't believe in soul mates and isn't looking for love. But when she meets the man who has been haunting her dreams, William Grafton, she feels an attraction for him.
William isn't looking for a replacement for the soul mate that he has lost, but when he meets Annie, there is a familiarity about her that attracts him to her.
Can Annie and William's relationship blossom into love, or will William's love for his lost soul mate hold him back from having a second chance at love?
Will Sara's Promise to always take care of her family bring happiness and love back into their lives ... even through divine intervention?
Sara's Promise is a poignantly touching story about soul mates and everlasting love. It is also the uplifting story of love, loss, hope and forgiveness. Author Deanna Lynn Sletten weaves a captivating tale of love and forgiveness that will simply pull at your heartstrings. Told in the third person narrative, the reader is swept along with Sara, William, Sandy, Sam and Annie on a journey of healing and love given through the cycle of life. Through a beautiful crafting of words, Deanna captures the essence between life and death; the struggles of loving, losing and second chances; and the belief that everlasting love does exist even after death.
The author draws the reader into the lives of Annie Paxton and the Grafton family as they battle individual personal conflicts while trying to maintain their family structure. The emotional battles and life changes that occur in their lives are realistic, the reader can easily relate to them. You can't help but feel for Annie and the Grafton family as their journey of healing is fulfilled through Sara's heavenly promise. Throughout this story, the author effortlessly provides the reader with the uplifting message that love, hope and forgiveness transcends death. Sara's Promise will make you a believer that soul mates and everlasting love really do exist!
With a realistic cast of characters who come alive and jump off the pages; a richly detailed and descriptive setting along the Oregon seaside; and a simply inspirational storyline that will have the reader experiencing the full gamut of emotions, Sara's Promise is a tenderhearted story of love that will touch your heart and soul, and will resonate with you long after the last page has been read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and for hosting a virtual book event on my book review blog site.
I got to know Deanna Lynn Sletten through BookBlogs and posting about this new book's release in early December 2012. It was a honor to meet her and work with her making this book a success. A Contemporary Woman's fiction Romance that will keep you busy. Fast paced, well written to the very end. Leaving you with no questions but just the thrill of reading a good book.
She asked me afterwards to review the book and I was pleased that I agreed to do this. A delightful Romance with all the twists and turns of a new budding relationship. You are drawn into the lives of William, Annie, Sandy, Sam and Sara's. Sara, the first wife who vowed to always look after them even when she was gone, sending Annie in her place to look after her family. To love them and care for them as her own.
Deanna really captured the essence of these two people as they struggle to get past the hold and love that Sara had in his life to be accepted as a person herself. To not continue with the same mistakes he made in his first marriage but accept her for who she is. Driven by dreams Annie found her way to the small Seaside town where this family lived and through many "coincidences" they met and become part of each other's life. Through the turmoil William and Annie found love, the grown children accepting her as a part of their lives. I really liked both Sandy and Sam's characters each playing their part to bring these two people together. Determined to see their father happy. I good read that I can recommend. The love were sweet, their growth as a couple mature and well sketch to become part of the characters life's during the read of the book. Well done Deanna.
A beautiful story of love which is redeemed even from beyond the grave. As one woman is forced to say good bye to a family she loves, she urges another to take her place through a conversation between both women as they were suspended between life and death.
I was mesmerized by this story from the beginning and it was definitely worth the time invested. It's a book I will remember for a long time to come - not only because of the story but because of the compelling cast of characters. They became a part of me, much the same as if they had been my own creation.
If you've read Deanna Sletten's work, then you know what a deft touch she has with her characters. Sara's Promise follows that same tradition. The characters are real. They will make you cry, cheer, and cringe, but they won't let you down. In the long run, Deanna's story is one of forgiveness and hope. It is also about the cycle of life, and this is touchingly illustrated by the way the beautiful cover ties in with the ending of the book. All in all, a lovely, lovely love story.
A heartfelt story of love, loss and finding your soulmate. Deanna brings to life the characters and makes them real to the reader. The story line flows smoothly. You follow the cycle of life within the pages of this story. The reader will be hoping, crying and rooting for the happy ending to come for Will and Annie. This book make even a cynic want to believe that there is someone out there for you, even in the mists of tragedy. I really enjoyed this book.
This was a perfect lovely book about afterlife, love beyond death and new beginnings. It was not sappy, it was wonderfully poignant and full of sentiment. I liked both William and Annie and loved the otherworldly touches of Sara and the brilliant colors. I also find this one of the best written books I've read lately.
I read through some of the lower starred reviews and had to laugh. They didn't like that it was fantasy or that they had sex before marriage. I have this to say to them. You don't like fantasy? Then don't read fiction. Most fiction is made up and fantasy to some point. Be it a fictional town, or fictional character. Or even a fictional story line. That is why we read. To escape and who cares if it is a fairy tale or fantasy ending. And to the one who didn't like the sex, that was NOT detailed, why are you reading outside of the Christian category? Better yet, go to nonfiction!
Now, I have not been able to give a five star in some time. This book deserves the five star. The characters are well defined. The plot is evident and it had something that drew me in. I thought it was going to be a slow, boring read but it wasn't. I found myself wondering when this was going to happen or if that was really what I thought it was. I won't give anything away. But it's well worth reading through. I got through it in less than a day. The book was well written and kept my interest. Even though I knew what the ending would be, it was fun to read through the struggle of betting there, yelling "COME ON" the whole time. I highly recommend this.
I read through some of the lower starred reviews and had to laugh. They didn't like that it was fantasy or that they had sex before marriage. I have this to say to them. You don't like fantasy? Then don't read fiction. Most fiction is made up and fantasy to some point. Be it a fictional town, or fictional character. Or even a fictional story line. That is why we read. To escape and who cares if it is a fairy tale or fantasy ending. And to the one who didn't like the sex, that was NOT detailed, why are you reading outside of the Christian category? Better yet, go to nonfiction!
Now, I have not been able to give a five star in some time. This book deserves the five star. The characters are well defined. The plot is evident and it had something that drew me in. I thought it was going to be a slow, boring read but it wasn't. I found myself wondering when this was going to happen or if that was really what I thought it was. I won't give anything away. But it's well worth reading through. I got through it in less than a day. The book was well written and kept my interest. Even though I knew what the ending would be, it was fun to read through the struggle of betting there, yelling "COME ON" the whole time. I highly recommend this.
William and Sara have a good life with their children until Sara's unexpected death. Years pass, William still grieving his beloved wife. Until He meets Annie, something about her feels familiar.
Annie grew up without parents, watching her Father die of a broken heart after her Mother's death. Then she meets William, something about him feels right, the man of her dreams.
They seem to be destined for one another. Together (they) must do some soul searching and believe in the power of love if they can move on with a happy ever after.
A heartfelt story of family, love, loss and acceptance. Likable characters, going through life after death. Events will have you wondering if Soulmates are sent from love after death.
Sara's Promise has all the feels, a love story like no other. A good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book includes the loss of a wife, grief and depression.
This book was sad and sweet. This story revolved around a guy named William Grafton. He was married to a woman named Sara who passed away tragically. They have two wonderful children together. She passes away and it hits William and his children hard.
This story also revolves around a young woman named Annie Paxton. She doesn’t believe in soulmates or fate or coincidence. She watched her father die of a broken heart after her mother passed away. Then Annie meets William who is grieving the loss of his wife. She starts working with William taking photographs of beautiful homes. She has the same eye color as his late wife and strange things are happy when they meet. Annie has dreamed of William before they even met, she knew the inside of his house. This book reminded me of the book Message In A Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. This book was sad but enjoyable.
Do you believe in soul mates? I don't know if I do or not. William believed he lost his soul mate unexpectedly and he a long with his children, mourn her loss. William's wife, Sara, promises him that he will always be with her.
Annie doesn't want to find her soul mate after losing her parents at a young age and being let down by her boyfriend when she had a medical emergency. William and Annie meet for work reasons but find themselves enjoying each other's company. Their relationship grows but they face challenges and have to work through them or they will lose each other.
I enjoyed this very unusual love story. Ms Sletten has a gift with developing her characters, each of them were people I would be very comfortable around as part of the family. She made me feel like I was right in that beautiful home overlooking the beach and her descriptions of the weather perfectly describes the Pacific Northwest coastal weather. I will be reading more of her books.
A very interesting, compelling story...a widower with 2 children , loses his soul mate, meets young woman several yrs later, who reminds him off his deceased wife, even tho she is nothing like her really! Excellent reading! Love the ending...I gave it 4 stars, not Iwas tempted to give it a 5. My complements to the author....
This is an amazing and lovely novel with compelling characters and a unique plot. The writing style flows smoothly and the pacing kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. I found this novel via an ad on TH and it's also in the Kindle Unlimited program, so I borrowed it. I highly recommend this emotionally charged romance. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Wow, this book was as good as it sounded when I read it. I have to say though, the husband William loses his wife, is given a second chance at love and keeps messing up! I just wanted to smack him and shake some sense into him. Luckily his daughter and son and even his parents do it for me. It's a love story from start to finish and a must read!
Another one day read; I couldn’t put this down! very powerful novel
All characters were intricately written and interwoven magically. About 3/4 through I really anticipated a NON-happily after ending; accepted this but i had a great surprise. I plan to share with my daughter and good friend!
Every book that I have read by Deanna keep me glued to the pages! She writes beautiful moving stories that draw you into the plot and take you away to the scenes she describes. Her creative and heartfelt prose keep you coming back for more. I highly recommend this one!
Sara's Promise is a book I could not put down! A 5 star read for sure! A family lose their wife and a mother suddenly. Someone else comes into their life and reminds them of their loved one. Deanna does a fantastic job of telling this story. I loved every page of this book!
Sara's promise is not what I expected, but it was amazing. It truly is about finding love through grief with the help of angels guiding you to the one your supposed to be with. This book will keep you guessing. Great read
Annie came to this small town 5 yr ago and fell in love with immediately but always drawn to one house and one man. That man had lost his wife 5 yrs ago and just could find a way to let her go until Annie came along.
the author introduces us to Sara and her family and then twists the tale to the unexpected! I enjoyed the journey of this family and the ending! A book you will remember.
I don't usually read books that are a bit mystical, but this was a worthy exception. I was a bit impatient with the characters and their issues with one another. But the real life issues and family setting were very well portrayed.
This is a cute story about two people falling in love. It touches on a life after death experience.There is enough drama in the life of the two main characters to keep you interested.